North Korea’s missile capabilities have grown tremendously in recent years. Analysis of their rocket designs suggests they may be using engines sourced from either a Russian or Ukrainian company, likely smuggled into the country.

Russia has unveiled a new heavy ICBM with the ability to deliver a 40-50MT warhead and a 10,000km range. But while this does represent a major new design for Russia, more than anything it’s a sign of Russia’s interest in exerting pressure on the American electorate.

It must be the season for exploding rockets: The US Army’s experimental Advanced Hypersonic Weapon, which will eventually be able to bomb anywhere in the world within an hour, exploded just four seconds after launch in Alaska. Similar to last week’s self-detonating SpaceX rocket, the US Department of Defense detected an error within the system shortly after launch, and thus decided to detonate the entire thing rather than risk any extra collateral damage. No one was injured by the incident, though falling debris did damage the rocket’s Kodiak Launch Complex.

Congress has approved a resolution to spend more money on ICBM missile defense systems, despite the United States’ continued failure to effectively field test a design. We’re building and deploying rockets that haven’t been through any sort of successful evaluation — and spending $40 billion, in total, by 2017.

This site may earn affiliate commissions from the links on this page. Terms of use.

ExtremeTech Newsletter

Subscribe Today to get the latest ExtremeTech news delivered right to your inbox.

Email

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our
Terms of Use and
Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time.